Michigan State University: Doctorate in Couple and Family Therapy
The exclusive institution that is accredited by COAMFTE offers a doctorate in Couple and Family Therapy through the Human Development and Family Studies department. Goals within this program are to prepare students for thorough research in therapy reports, substantial knowledge in theory for teaching, exemplary skills to go toward supervision, and the full experience of clinical practice.
Courses
In order to complete the degree, students must have completed at least 1,000 clinical hours (which can include prior graduate programs), dissertation, and comprehensive examination. Admission requires the completion of a Master's degree, and COAMFTE-accredited programs will offer straight entry into the school's curriculum.
Otherwise, a review of coursework will be completed and certain courses may be completed in addition to the traditional curriculum. At least four years is needed to complete the PhD, with more time potentially needed for those that have a discipline in something other than MFT.
Consider a Featured Online MFT Program
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
COAMFTE Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required |
The COAMFTE-accredited MFT@Northwestern is offered by The Family Institute at Northwestern University. Full-time students can complete the program in as few as 21 months. No GRE is required, but applicants must hold an undergraduate degree. Full and part-time tracks available. Learn More |
| Walden University
MS in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
 CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
|
Learn how to support the well-being of your students as they cope with complex personal and family challenges. Explore human sexual development as well as the relationships and family dynamics impacting young people’s lives today. Build the cross-cultural competencies and skills required to understand family structures, life-cycle dynamics, intergenerational influences, and healthy family functioning. The optional accelerated track is designed for students who are interested in taking three courses per quarter and potentially finishing their program in a shorter time frame. The accelerated track has the same curriculum, residencies, and field experience requirements as the general track, but requires a strong time commitment and is best suited for students who can dedicate themselves full time to their studies. Learn More |
| Walden University
PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
HLC Accredited |
✔ Online
|
In the PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision with a specialization in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling, you’ll look at human sexuality and empirically supported treatments and techniques for promoting the well-being of couples. Build competencies for working effectively with children and adolescents. You’ll also learn how to assess procedures for evaluating research in this area—and how to apply these findings to your practice. Learn More |
| Liberty University
MA: Marriage and Family Therapy
SACSCOC |
✔ Online
Online with required intensives |
A Liberty University marriage and family therapy master’s program online can prepare you to help individuals, couples, and families find healing through counseling. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More |
| Grand Canyon University
Master's Degree in Counseling
HLC and NASAC Accredited |
✔ Online
|
Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's degree emphases include: Childhood and Adolescence Disorders, Christian Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Trauma. Designed to meet the academic requirements of the National Board for Certified Counselors for the National Certified Counselor credential, the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor credential and the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. As a private university, GCU has the same in-state and out-of-state tuition. Learn More |
| National University
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
COAMFTE Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Scores Not Required |
Earn your masters in Marriage and Family Therapy at National University. COAMFTE and IACSTE accredited. Learn More |
| National University
Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy
COAMFTE Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Scores Not Required |
Earn your Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy at National University. COAMFTE and IACSTE accredited. Learn More |
| Lamar University
Master of Education in Counseling & Development - Marriage Couple & Family Counseling
AAQEP Accredited |
✔ Online
Minimum 3.0 Undergrad GPA |
Learn how to diagnose mental and emotional disorders and resolve marriage and family conflicts related to divorce, mediation, child rearing, family violence and more. Learn More |
| University of West Alabama
Online MS in Family Counseling
|
✔ Online
Flexible online environment |
Programs in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Guidance and Counseling Learn More |
Considering an Online MFT Program in Michigan
Since Michigan State University only offers an accredited PhD program, there are no Master's degrees within the field of marriage and family therapy. Students have the option of pursuing an online program from a handful of institutions that offer them across the country.
For example, Capella University, based in Minnesota, provides a Master of Science in the MFT discipline. Because this program is also designated by COAMFTE, this will satisfy the educational requirements needed by the state of Michigan to receive licensure.
A Master's degree is also typically needed to get into the doctoral program as the latter typically explores theory and concepts with the assumption that fundamental MFT knowledge has been gained.
LMFT Licensure in Michigan
For those applying for licensure as marriage and family therapists for the first time, applicants must submit an official transcript that proves completion of a Master’s degree and the coursework that was completed.
There must also be proof of holding a certification of education within MFT, which is accomplished for students that have been enrolled in a COAMFTE-accredited program. This also holds true for the variety of courses that must be completed, including human development, ethics and law, and research.
Michigan MFT Licensure Requirements
At least 300 hours of direct client contact through educational practicum and 1,000 hours of additional client examination must be confirmed by a supervisor.
Those that hold a doctorate can bypass the experience requirements. A national examination must also be completed and passed before applying. Relicensure must be completed within three years after it has lapsed, or otherwise the passing of the national exam must take place again.
Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy
Bureau of Professional Licensing
P.O. Box 30670
Lansing, MI 48909
Website
LMFT Licensure:
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
LMFT Careers and Salaries in Michigan
Over 380 are employed as marriage and family therapists in the state of Michigan according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
There are a large amount of higher-paying opportunities in the state, raising the annual mean salary to roughly $53,680. In general, the Detroit and Grand Rapids metropolitan locations are significantly lower than that amount.
Some of the popular establishments for career opportunities includes the Great Lakes Psychology Group that looks for licensed social workers throughout the state, and Ascension Southeast Michigan, which offers various therapy solutions.
Popular Online MFT Programs
Liberty University 🗹 Online
Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online
Campus-Based COAMFTE Accredited Michigan MFT Degrees
The COAMFTE (Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education) is the top accrediting board for MFT programs. Below is a list of COAMFTE accredited MFT programs in Michigan. You can view online COAMFTE accredited MFT counseling programs or all Michigan counseling degrees.
- PhD in MFT
